Summer is right around the corner, so as you fortify your soon-to-be last-minute travel plans, why not consider hopping across the pond and killing some time in Lisbon? If you’re not yet sold on heading to the Portuguese destination, fret not: you will be in just five minutes.
Tracing its modern iteration back to the mid-13th Century, Portugal’s capital city boasts a very pleasant Mediterranean climate: mild in the winter and comfortable in the summer. With a population just north of 500,000 people, Lisbon is a thriving metropolis that is rich in history, culture and nightlife.
Should you decide to make the trek to this Western European city, consider checking out these five spots at the very least:
1. Santa Justa Elevator
Operating for over a century, the Santa Justa Elevator was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard in order to help people navigate Lisbon’s hilly geography. Showcasing Neo-Gothic architecture, the 148-foot cast iron structure is one of Portugal’s national monuments. The structure is symbolic in the sense that it represents a different time — when elevators were considered constructions of the future.
2. Castle of Sao Jorge
Another national monument, the Castle of Sao Jorge traces its history back to the B.C. era and subsequently endured many renovations over the centuries. Having played a role in the Crusades, the Moorish structure has also served as a theater and a place for education. The Medieval castle has sustained damage over the centuries, but now lies in a special protection zone.
3. Tram 28
Since 1901, residents of Lisbon and tourists alike have traveled around the European city via a complex tramway network, which at one point encompassed 27 routes. Today, that number has dwindled to five. But among them, Tram 28 should be particularly alluring to tourists as it provides travelers with spectacular views of the storied city. Some of the sights to take in along the way are the Castle of Sao Jorge, the terraces of Portas do Sol and Feira da Ladra, the famous flea market.
4. Rossio Square
After a day of traveling around the city, it’s likely you’ve worked up an appetite or, at the very least, are tired from walking all day and want nothing else but to sit down. Why not head over to Rossio Square — also known as Pedro IV Square — and take a few puffs on your electronic cigarette as you people-watch, or chow down on some Portuguese cuisine? The square is a popular meeting place for locals and has a storied history of its own.
5. Cascais
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and want to spend time on the beach? Cascais is located 19 miles west of Lisbon and is one of the country’s wealthiest areas. The municipality boasts a slew of beaches with impressive seascapes. Budget-strapped travelers beware: Cascais can be a bit pricey.
The above is by no means a comprehensive list of everything there is to do in such a historic city — you should also check out Europe’s longest bridge, the 11-mile Vasco da Gama, as well as the Jerónimos Monastery and the city’s oceanarium — but if you’re heading to Lisbon, the list represents five things you’ll regret missing should you not get a chance to see them.
Safe travels!
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